Have you experienced better/worse service when increasing/reducing tips?

[Ericktina]

Uuuhhh, sorry. Tipped crew on cruise ships do not receive checks. A paycheck drawn on a US Bank is a worthless piece of paper in the Philippines. They are paid onboard in cash. And they don't have to wait. Although it varies by cruise line, some crew are paid weekly, some bi-monthly, and some monthly. But crew can have a cash advance anytime they want.

 

And as someone else mentioned, most crew are not running ashore to spend their tips. They save every penny and send it home to support their families.

It is so wonderful to FINALLY hear from someone who has actually been on the ships on the subject of tipping!! We thank you SO much for all the information. We tip everyone in cash who serves us as we are being served in addition to the auto tip, and extra at the end of the cruise to all who have gone above and beyond for us, and have always thought this meant they could keep it--but it would not matter to us if they pooled it--we find 999 out of 1000 crew terrific!! It has also been our understanding that there are people you do not see who share in the auto tip--is that true?? People other than waiters, stewards and bar servers--so, that if you remove the automatic tips, you are punishing a lot of behind-the scenes people--is that true?? That alone would be a good reason NEVER to remove the auto tip. The other question we have always had which has not been addressed is whether it is appropriate to tip senior staff--such as a hotel director who has gone out of their way for you. We finally resolved this by giving gift cards, as cash seemed tacky. Is it wrong to tip them?? The question that has been asked thousands of times on these boards is what constitutes a good per day tip--for a Maitre d', a Concierge, a steward, a waiter and a butler. We should love to have the answer from one who knows!! Again--many many thanks for all the questions you have answered.

[BruceMuzz]

It is so wonderful to FINALLY hear from someone who has actually been on the ships on the subject of tipping!! We thank you SO much for all the information. We tip everyone in cash who serves us as we are being served in addition to the auto tip, and extra at the end of the cruise to all who have gone above and beyond for us, and have always thought this meant they could keep it--but it would not matter to us if they pooled it--we find 999 out of 1000 crew terrific!! It has also been our understanding that there are people you do not see who share in the auto tip--is that true?? People other than waiters, stewards and bar servers--so, that if you remove the automatic tips, you are punishing a lot of behind-the scenes people--is that true?? That alone would be a good reason NEVER to remove the auto tip. The other question we have always had which has not been addressed is whether it is appropriate to tip senior staff--such as a hotel director who has gone out of their way for you. We finally resolved this by giving gift cards, as cash seemed tacky. Is it wrong to tip them?? The question that has been asked thousands of times on these boards is what constitutes a good per day tip--for a Maitre d', a Concierge, a steward, a waiter and a butler. We should love to have the answer from one who knows!! Again--many many thanks for all the questions you have answered.

 

Yes, there are many behind the scenes crew who share the auto-tip. These people are critical to the success of the service staff who have direct contact with you every day. As I mentioned earlier, they were previously tipped directly by the service staff you do see every day. They still receive the same money for the same jobs, from the same people, but now it comes directly from the tipping pool - without a side trip through the waiter's pocket.

 

Hotel Directors and other senior staff do not expect tips. A nice thank you is just fine and very much appreciated.

 

Management and Supervisors on ships (Maitre d', Head Waiter, etc) are all paid quite good salaries. I would never consider tipping them unless they did something very special for me.

[spearmint]

I have adjusted automatic tips but not until the end of the cruise. Then, I called Guest Relations and had them add the amount that I wished to increase and for which person (dining room waiter and room attendant). I then informed the person that I had done so, and that he should expect that amount.

[braxx20]

I have cruised for 40 years and in the old days the M'D would prepare the Ceasar salad at our table, crepes suzettes, etc. Now they don't do anything. Why should I tip him or her? That is why I pay gratuites in cash to all the others at the recommended level but NOT the M'D

[Karysa]

I have cruised for 40 years and in the old days the M'D would prepare the Ceasar salad at our table, crepes suzettes, etc. Now they don't do anything. Why should I tip him or her? That is why I pay gratuites in cash to all the others at the recommended level but NOT the M'D

 

We tipped the Assistant Maitre D on a few occasions. One time in particular when on the JOS he realized that our dinner table was not a great fit for us and although he could see that we tried I think that it was quite obvious to him that it was work rather then relaxing. Whenever he saw us at breakfast or lunch he would escort us to any table of our liking even if the hostess said there wasn't a table for two. He gave us extra special service and we thanked him for that. We also wrote about him on the comment card. (You know I just can't stress enough how much I like those comment cards)

 

Karysa

[jcruise67]

Here's one for the books...

 

I've been on 22 cruises, some of which placed auto tips on the folio account. I'm also a cruise agent and understand the commission process on the cruise lines. However, I'm a good tipper...always 20% in most cases, unless service is below par. I'm probably the one pax that has the auto tips omitted from the folio everytime I cruise. If my service was excellent, as it usually is...I return the auto tip to the bill. I also tip very well in the beginning, during and at the end for those staff members that have made my cruise experience memorable. I certainly don't think it is a shame for anyone to remove the auto tip from the bill, but I also think it is worthy if you had a great cruise. If you experience a problem with the service, simply address it with the individual in question like an earlier poster stated on this thread. Communication works wonders to gain an understanding of your expectations concerning the service.

 

BTW...Don't think for a minute that the staff doesn't make a decent living on board these cruise ships. On the contrary...many of the pursers, Restuarant Matr'e de', cruise director, asst. cruise director, cabin stewards, hotel staff, and some bar waiters can make upwards of $100,000 per year...not kidding...especially the M'D!!!

[dzcruisers]

About the third day on a Celebrity Summit cruise through the Canal I turned in the card for auto tips on my account. Thr next day our CC room attendant thanked us for puttung the auto tips on. At the end of the cruise I tipped him an extra $50. He tanked us cordially. Going out of my room I saw him going over a list with tips on it. When he realised that the money I gave him was in addition to our auto tips he carried my carry on luggage to the elevator and thanked us profusely. He was amazing in the service that he gave and deserved the extra. I do know he had a list of people who had auto tipped on Celebrity Summit

[G'ma]

I've never, ever removed or reduced the suggested minimum gratuities....

 

Generally, I usually tip more at the end of the cruise to those who've waited on me hand and foot for a week....usually the cabin steward and assistant, the waiter and his assistant. If there's been a favorite bartender, I tip during the week and usually again at the end. I always tip the dealer in the casino; win lose or draw. If I'm down to my last chip...it's for the dealer.

 

There is no reason to remove or reduce gratuities...

[jhorn4489]

Only twice did I ever change the tip. My daughter and I went on a RCC, 7 day cruise from hell. The first hour we found mens underwear under her bed, hair in the shower, dirty toilet, my bed had dirty sheet, and no towels. We went and made a complaint, we mingled, we had lunch, then dinner, we got back to our room at 11:00 p.m.. Not one thing was different not even the mens underwear. I called for towels and clean sheets, it took the steward another hour to get to us. The next day my daughter found a used condom, I know this is gross, but how do you think I felt when I screamed at my daughter “don’t touch” right before she was picking it up. I was so upset, I wanted to change rooms, we were full. RCC said drinks were on them for the rest of the trip, well I only drink water, coffee, and ice tea, which we all know are free. I won’t go day by day because it was pretty bad the whole trip. The last afternoon I went to the pursers desk and wanted my tip for the steward taken off...they did do this. I told them I wanted to give it to our waiter because of him our cruise was not a all bad. I put the money in an envelope and placed it under my underwear in the drawer, when we were on our way to dinner I went in to get it and no envelope and no money. I called security, which took forever, and made a complaint. They found the money with our steward, he said I had given it to him, but I noticed it was not opened and asked for security to open it and they would see that there was a note to our server thanking him for a great job. I am not sure what happened to this guy, but I asked for no one to enter my room again. RCC gave me $250.00 off my next cruise, I have never been on RCC again.

 

The next time I asked for a tip to be changed was for our server. Our head server was the worse but his assistant, Jose, was the best I have ever had. I gave the assistant the head servers tip and the amount we were suppose to give the head server I gave him the assistant amount.

 

One question, I never see the mater-de until the last night with his hand out. Should we still tip him?

[Atomica]

I've always kept the auto-gratutity as is. Occasionally, we'll tip a little above and beyond the auto tip in person if a particular bar steward or waiter has made our trip extra special, but I'd never consider removing the tips.

 

Tip, service charge, auto-gratuity - doesn't matter to me what name you call it. I budget for that amount and have always felt it's worth it for the services recieved onboard (and having it charged to the onboard account sure beats trying to carry enough cash on hand to stuff in envelopes on the last night of the cruise!)

 

If we had a serious service issue (none yet in 14 cruises), I'd be more likely to bring it to the attention of the Hotel Director or Purser's staff and try to rectify it that way.

[idratherbesailing]

I am not sure if it is really fair for me to be responding to this question in this case. I have what you very well may call "inside information". My son worked for a respectable period of time for a "major cruiseline" in a position that was largely compensated by tips. His period of employment started just before and extended during and after the time that "prepaid gratuities" were implemented on many cruise lines. His statements to us about tips were that: 1.) ship/cruiseline employees hate prepaid gratuities 2.) It is very common for the cruiseline to keep a portion of the tips intended for the employees to "cover expenses". 3.) "please be advised mom that most cruiseline employees would far rather that you pay the them tips directly in cash" for a number of the obvious reasons. and 4.) that his cruiseline "lets the employees know" which passengers/cabins have opted out of the automatic gratuities program. "So, if we want to hold back anyone's tip do not so until the very end of the cruise". Even though we are very frequent cruisers we always have a "very uneasy feeling" about gratuities in general because of all we know about the "inner workings" of most cruiselines.

[Pilot70D]

:)We do not adjust the autotips. I do however tip our cabin attendant $20 the very first time I meet him or her. It is amazing how good our cabin sevrice gets.

 

We have only one standing special request - we want an ice bucket every afternoon for wine. Most of the time we got a plain ice bucket (rarely used) and a wine cooler (frequently used). I kind of peeked walking down the hall and other like class cabins got small bowls of fruit. We could have opened our own produce department. I mentioned that the War Department (a.k.a. Mrs. B.) likes chocolate and that strawberries are a favorite of hers. We got chocolate covered strawberries every day. I didn't intend for things to happen exactly like that but never look a gift horse in the mouth.

 

We have done this on every cruise and it does go to show you that a little kindness goes a long way particularly when it's accompanied by a little long green.:)

[geneology]

Is this sarcasm?? You can't be serious.....:confused:

 

 

I hope it was sarcasm!! It had me wondering too!!

[BruceMuzz]

I am not sure if it is really fair for me to be responding to this question in this case. I have what you very well may call "inside information". My son worked for a respectable period of time for a "major cruiseline" in a position that was largely compensated by tips. His period of employment started just before and extended during and after the time that "prepaid gratuities" were implemented on many cruise lines. His statements to us about tips were that: 1.) ship/cruiseline employees hate prepaid gratuities 2.) It is very common for the cruiseline to keep a portion of the tips intended for the employees to "cover expenses". 3.) "please be advised mom that most cruiseline employees would far rather that you pay the them tips directly in cash" for a number of the obvious reasons. and 4.) that his cruiseline "lets the employees know" which passengers/cabins have opted out of the automatic gratuities program. "So, if we want to hold back anyone's tip do not so until the very end of the cruise". Even though we are very frequent cruisers we always have a "very uneasy feeling" about gratuities in general because of all we know about the "inner workings" of most cruiselines.

 

You're right - it's not really fair for you to respond.

Your son and I worked for the same cruise line at about the same time. That particular company was famous for coming up with great new ideas and them screwing them up on a galactic scale. That's why they are currently in such a difficult state. Most of the other lines were - and are - a bit smarter. So although you have every right to feel a bit uneasy about the "inner workings" of that particular cruise line, you can rest assured that the better cruise lines - where your son didn't work (and you have no knowledge of) - are far better managed, with far better policies and procedures, and far happier employees.

[gatour]

I chose other because I do a combination.

 

I always leave the autotip on my account.

 

If I ask the room steward for something special, I tip an additional amount on the spot.

 

If I get good service from a bar tender or bar server, I tip an dollar or two every so often.

 

If my dining room attendants are extra attentive etc, I will tip an additional amount at the end of the cruise.

[BruceMuzz]

Here's one for the books...

 

I've been on 22 cruises, some of which placed auto tips on the folio account. I'm also a cruise agent and understand the commission process on the cruise lines. However, I'm a good tipper...always 20% in most cases, unless service is below par. I'm probably the one pax that has the auto tips omitted from the folio everytime I cruise. If my service was excellent, as it usually is...I return the auto tip to the bill. I also tip very well in the beginning, during and at the end for those staff members that have made my cruise experience memorable. I certainly don't think it is a shame for anyone to remove the auto tip from the bill, but I also think it is worthy if you had a great cruise. If you experience a problem with the service, simply address it with the individual in question like an earlier poster stated on this thread. Communication works wonders to gain an understanding of your expectations concerning the service.

 

BTW...Don't think for a minute that the staff doesn't make a decent living on board these cruise ships. On the contrary...many of the pursers, Restuarant Matr'e de', cruise director, asst. cruise director, cabin stewards, hotel staff, and some bar waiters can make upwards of $100,000 per year...not kidding...especially the M'D!!!

 

You got most of that right. However, the Pursers are the most poorly paid department onboard. Those people behind the front desk start at US$1200 per month. They are scheduled to work 91 hours a week, with no days off for up to 8 months.

 

REALLY talented waiters, bar waiters, and cabins stewards can earn up to around US$50,000 a year. They also work 91 hours a week with zero days off.

 

Not many years ago a good Maitre d'hotel could easily take home US$100,000 a year. I know. I did it myself. But with today's frugal cruisers, all the really good maitre d's just can't make nearly that kind of money anymore. Almost all of them left for greener pastures.

 

Although $100,000 seems like a great salary, would you be willing to work 91 hours every week, away from your family for 6 months or longer, with no days off for 6 months or longer, to earn that money?

[Loretta Marie]

Does the staff and room stewards as well as the dining staff know if you paid them up front first before they serve you? How would they know if you paid them upfront or not? What I am concerned is this, if we pay with our sign and sail card first will they give us better service?

 

On my last cruise we did we did not pay for the tip in advance, but this is our 2nd cruise with my sister and I can not see anymore of her latest posts her name is Red Hot Italian somthing I can not remember it all afterall I am over 70 we just can not get our brains out of geer.

 

Will someone tell me why she is not here?

 

Loretta Marie

[Tomct]

For the record, all of our 8 cruises have been with NCL.

 

I don't think I would even consider changing the standard service charge because it would likely impact crew members other than the one(s) that might cause the situation at hand.

 

We have always tipped our cabin stewards extra, varying the amount on how good they have been. We have absolutely never had a problem with our cabin, and they have always responded favorably to any extra requests we have made.

 

We have never tipped in advance, as the tip is for excellent service, and feel tipping in advance would be an attempt to "buy" better service. Since it always excels, it's a moot point.

 

We generally give or consider additonal tips to restaurant staff as the excellent service occurs, and at the endo of the cruise may include the Maitre' D, and the Concierge, depending on what they have done. One of the finest Maitre' D we have come across, Ms. Laura Borut, went way above and beyond for us last year on the Gem, and she was certainly not looking for a tip. We've cruise with her before, and she acts like our concierge and assistant hotel director, and recommend NCL cruisers keep an eye out for her.

 

We also tip for room service as we go.

 

I did not read much of this thread, as I took the poll and thought I would add my comments. In the case of NCL policy that I am familiar with, and mind you, I am not familiar with the basic complaint here, I think NCL staff needs to know who has eliminated there standard service charge, as any personal tips given by those passengers must go into the general tip pool. For instance, you eliminate the current $12/day charge, but give your cabin stewards an average of $5/day, your Maitre' D who provides special seating $3, and your waitperson $4, and it makes you feel better, well you have distorted the normal balance, and have cheated some deserving staff of a financial reward. To minimize that, NCL requires the cabin stewards to give up that $5 so as to share it with support staff who normally participate in the service charge. NCL rewards its staff on a department by department basis, so let's say your housekeeping section did an outstanding job, but because you were ticked off at room service, and your A/C didn't work, you gave the stewards a tip directly. Well, the rest of the team that performed so good that cruise would not otherwise share your tip, so NCL tries to overcome that loss with this policy.

 

I hope I got that right, though may not have stated it correctly or clearly, but the bottom line is they are not doing it so as to blacklist your cabin, or cheat your intended recipient.

 

Since there are alternate avenues to address problems on your cruise, I suggest you take steps to go through normal channels to resolve them, including an employee's supervisor, the front desk receptionist or manager, or even the hotel director if needed. The HD wants to hear your problems in a manner in which they can be addressed, and not on Cruise Critic after you return. Give them the chance to correct the problem so you can enjoy your cruise.

[ldubs]

I have cruised for 40 years and in the old days the M'D would prepare the Ceasar salad at our table, crepes suzettes, etc. Now they don't do anything. Why should I tip him or her? That is why I pay gratuites in cash to all the others at the recommended level but NOT the M'D

 

Because the M'D is a key part of making the whole thing happen. They are as much responsible as the good folks who attend your table.

[ldubs]

Only twice did I ever change the tip. My daughter and I went on a RCC, 7 day cruise from hell. The first hour we found mens underwear under her bed, hair in the shower, dirty toilet, my bed had dirty sheet, and no towels. We went and made a complaint, we mingled, we had lunch, then dinner, we got back to our room at 11:00 p.m.. Not one thing was different not even the mens underwear. I called for towels and clean sheets, it took the steward another hour to get to us. The next day my daughter found a used condom, I know this is gross, but how do you think I felt when I screamed at my daughter “don’t touch” right before she was picking it up. I was so upset, I wanted to change rooms, we were full. RCC said drinks were on them for the rest of the trip, well I only drink water, coffee, and ice tea, which we all know are free. I won’t go day by day because it was pretty bad the whole trip. The last afternoon I went to the pursers desk and wanted my tip for the steward taken off...they did do this. I told them I wanted to give it to our waiter because of him our cruise was not a all bad. I put the money in an envelope and placed it under my underwear in the drawer, when we were on our way to dinner I went in to get it and no envelope and no money. I called security, which took forever, and made a complaint. They found the money with our steward, he said I had given it to him, but I noticed it was not opened and asked for security to open it and they would see that there was a note to our server thanking him for a great job. I am not sure what happened to this guy, but I asked for no one to enter my room again. RCC gave me $250.00 off my next cruise, I have never been on RCC again.

 

The next time I asked for a tip to be changed was for our server. Our head server was the worse but his assistant, Jose, was the best I have ever had. I gave the assistant the head servers tip and the amount we were suppose to give the head server I gave him the assistant amount.

 

One question, I never see the mater-de until the last night with his hand out. Should we still tip him?

 

 

Wow. Some of the complaints I've read about seem like lame excuses to avoid paying a gratuity. Not yours.

 

Maitre'd is part of the team responsible for the great service you receive. In my opinion, he/she deserves the gratuity.

[yaletownboy]

Wow... what a detraction from the original topic.

 

I was just here to read about whether the "List" exists or not & perhaps a petition to your senators would change the business practices of cruise lines.

 

Instead, it's just like watching politicians go off topic.:rolleyes:

 

I think maybe with this photo, perhaps CC'ers would band together, sign a petition, make media go undercover and find out the truth about this "list", or advocate change to this industry.

 

Like the 'airline luggage employees' video of them going through air passenger's luggage, we should deal with this issue together.

 

Whether culture or just preference, I think your participation in something like this or not, depending upon your experience, will have a more meaningful effect/change.

 

more power to the people:D

[crewsgirl]

I found all this quite interesting, especially hearing from cruise employees.

 

I usually just keep the automatic gratuity in place, and tip extra for room service, spa service, or bar staff as service occurs. After reading all this, I will continue this practice.

 

I do think, however, most crew members are great and go above & beyond the call of duty to make my trip pleasurable. I loved our cabin steward on Princess last yr. She remembered our names & made sure we had egg crate mattresses & extra down pillows. My DD commented on the towel animals & she made sure to continue this nightly with the turn down.

 

My point is, crew members do work hard for their tips for the most part and I would not be comfortable removing the automatic gratuities. For me, it is just easier than the old style of using those envelopes on the last night.

[Sabbycat]

I cruised w/ Celebrity last fall. Some tablemates of mine received a letter in their stateroom the last night of the cruise indicating that their servers have been advised they did not prepay their gratuities. There is classy for a higher end cruise line.

 

On Celebrity Cruise Lines you complete a form to have the suggested gratuity amt added to your stateroom bill. My husband and I do not do this. We will only tip those who we feel have provided appropriate service. Those who we feel have get at least a 20% tip, those who have not do not deserve my tips. That simple. I am not paying 8000$ for a cruise, 2000$ on excursions and then additional money for drinks, speciality dinning etc., and then paying the salary for all the employees on top of that. You get a tip if you work for it - there is a reason they call it a tip and not salary!

[Sabbycat]

"Tip": Optional payment given in addition to a required payment, usually to express appreciation for excellent service; here also called gratuity.

 

I will never use the prepaid gratuities for this reason. Perhaps people have fogotten the definition of the word tip or gratuity. I posted it above those of you that have! (Yes this is snarky, but I resent having to pay twice for my cruise) I will tip if you provide excellent service - that is all. BTW: I have always tipped the people who have served me, (ie: stateroom attendent, waiter, assistant waiter etc. I will not tip head of housekeeping - The only time I saw him was at the end when he came around for his envelope - presumputious

[Cruiseorr]

We have never reversed the auto tip. I agree that if you have had an issue with poor service, (which in our case is rare) the place to address that is on the comment/feedback card, or go to the pursers desk. Why punish everyone?

We always tip extra on the last day of the cruise. We bring a thank you note with cash inside for the waitstaff in the main dining to dinner with us, and hand our room attendant(s) tips in person, usually in the morning. Talking to your room attendant that last day helps to communicate any requests about disembarkation. For room service we tip when the food is delivered. On spa treatments, I tell the girl that I'll increase her tip (over the 15-18% automatic charge) if she forgoes the spiel on the products at the end of the session. Works like a charm!